What ABM Parking Services does

ABM Parking Services is a valet parking company that operates parking facilities and valet services across the United States. ABM (formerly American Building Maintenance Industries) manages parking at airports, hotels, hospitals, office buildings, and other commercial locations. When you use ABM valet parking, an attendant parks your car in a designated lot or garage, and you retrieve it when you leave.

ABM does not own the parking facilities themselves — they operate them under contract with property owners and managers. This means the specific rules, pricing, and procedures depend on where the ABM service is located. An ABM valet at an airport terminal works differently from one at a hotel or office building, even though both are ABM employees.

If you are paying for valet parking at a commercial location and see ABM signage or uniforms, you are using ABM's service. The company handles the day-to-day operations: taking your keys, parking the vehicle, retrieving it, and processing payment.

Key Takeaways

  • ABM Parking Services operates valet parking at airports, hotels, hospitals, and office buildings across the country, but does not set its own pricing or policies — the property owner does.
  • When you hand your keys to an ABM attendant, you are entering into a parking contract with the property owner, not directly with ABM, so read signage about liability and rates before you park.
  • Pricing, hours, and payment methods vary by location and are set by the property owner; call the specific location ahead of time if you need to know the cost.
  • ABM attendants are employees of ABM, not independent contractors, which means the company is responsible for their conduct and training.
  • If you have a complaint about service, damage, or billing, contact the property owner or manager first, then ABM if the issue is not resolved.

How pricing and payment work at ABM valet locations

ABM does not set a single national price for valet parking. Each location — whether it is an airport, hotel, or office building — sets its own rates based on local market conditions, demand, and the property owner's business model. An ABM valet at a major airport terminal may charge $20 to $40 per day, while the same service at a suburban office building might be $5 to $15 per day or included free with a lease.

Payment methods also vary by location. Some ABM valet operations accept cash, credit cards, and mobile payment apps; others accept only credit cards or require prepayment through a mobile app. Hotels often bill valet parking to your room; airports may require payment at pickup or in advance online. Before you hand over your keys, ask the attendant or check posted signage for the rate and how to pay.

Many locations offer monthly or annual parking passes if you park regularly. If you use ABM valet parking frequently at the same location — such as at your workplace or a hospital where you visit often — ask whether a pass or subscription plan would save you money.

What happens when you drop off and pick up your car

When you arrive at an ABM valet location, you drive to the valet stand or designated drop-off area. An ABM attendant will greet you, take your keys, and give you a ticket or receipt with a claim number. Keep this ticket — you will need it to retrieve your car. The attendant will ask whether you have any special instructions (such as "do not move the car" if it has mechanical issues) and will note any existing damage if you point it out.

The attendant then parks your car in the lot or garage. The time this takes depends on how full the lot is and how far away available spaces are. At busy times — such as peak hours at an airport or during a hotel event — parking and retrieval can take 10 to 20 minutes or longer.

When you are ready to leave, you return to the valet stand with your ticket, pay the fee (if not already paid), and wait for your car to be brought around. The attendant will verify your ticket, retrieve your vehicle, and hand you your keys. Inspect your car before you leave the valet area. If you notice new damage, report it to the attendant and the property manager when ready — waiting until later makes it harder to prove the damage occurred during the valet service.

Liability and damage: what you need to know

When you hand your keys to an ABM attendant, you are entering into a parking contract. The terms of that contract — including what happens if your car is damaged, stolen, or towed — are set by the property owner, not by ABM. Read any posted signs or terms before you park. Many valet parking agreements limit the operator's liability to a specific amount (often $500 to $2,500) or exclude liability for theft, vandalism, or weather damage.

ABM is responsible for the conduct of its employees. If an attendant damages your car through negligence — such as hitting a post while parking or leaving the car running unattended — ABM and the property owner may be liable. However, if the damage occurred because of circumstances beyond the attendant's control (such as a break-in while the car was parked in a locked garage), liability may be limited or excluded depending on the contract terms.

Before you use ABM valet parking, look for posted liability notices. If you do not see one, ask the attendant or manager what the property's policy is on damage. If your car is damaged during valet service, report it when ready in writing to both the property manager and ABM's customer service. Take photos of the damage and keep all receipts and correspondence.

Differences between ABM valet locations

ABM operates valet services in very different environments, and the experience varies significantly. At an airport, ABM attendants may park your car in an off-site lot and shuttle you to the terminal; you retrieve it the same way when you return. At a hotel, the valet stand is usually at the front entrance, and your car is parked in an adjacent garage or lot — retrieval is usually faster. At a hospital or office building, valet parking may be a convenience for visitors or a perk for employees, with different pricing and access rules.

Some ABM locations use technology to track your car — you may receive a text message when your vehicle is ready for pickup, or you can request it through a mobile app. Others use traditional paper tickets and manual retrieval. Ask about the system at your specific location so you know what to expect.

Hours of operation also vary. Airport valet parking typically runs 24/7, while hotel and office building valet services may close at night or on weekends. If you need valet parking at an unusual time, call ahead to confirm the location is staffed.

How to contact ABM about a problem or complaint

If you have an issue with ABM valet service — such as a billing error, damaged car, long wait time, or rude attendant — start by speaking with the property manager or the valet supervisor on duty. They can often resolve the problem when ready or escalate it within their organization. Get the name of the person you speak with and the date and time of the incident.

If the property manager does not resolve the issue, contact ABM Parking Services directly. ABM's customer service phone line and online contact form are usually listed on receipts or on signage at the valet location. When you contact ABM, provide your claim ticket number, the date and time of service, the location, and a clear description of the problem. Include any documentation, such as photos of damage or a copy of your receipt.

If ABM does not respond satisfactorily, you may file a complaint with your credit card company (if you paid by card) or pursue a small claims case if the damage or loss exceeds your state's small claims threshold. Keep all documentation of your complaint and ABM's response.

Comparing ABM valet to other parking options

ABM is one of several large valet parking operators in the United States, but it is not the only option at every location. At some airports and hotels, you may have a choice between ABM valet, self-parking in a garage, or parking with a different valet company. Compare the cost, convenience, and liability terms before you decide.

Self-parking is usually cheaper than valet but requires you to find a space and walk to the terminal or entrance. Valet parking costs more but saves time and walking, especially if you are traveling with luggage or have mobility issues. Some people use valet parking only for trips where they are in a hurry or carrying a lot, and self-parking for shorter visits.

If you park regularly at the same location, ask whether ABM or the property offers a monthly pass or subscription. Some frequent parkers find that a monthly pass — even at a higher per-day rate — saves money compared to paying per visit.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I refuse to let ABM valet park my car if I do not trust them?

Yes. If a location offers valet parking but you prefer to self-park, you can usually do so at the same property. Ask the attendant or property manager where self-parking is available. Some locations charge less for self-parking, and some include it free. If the location offers only valet parking and you are not comfortable with it, you can park elsewhere or use a different service.

What if my car is damaged or stolen while ABM has it?

Report the damage or theft when ready to the valet supervisor and the property manager, and get their names and the date and time. Then contact ABM customer service in writing with photos, your receipt, and a detailed description. Your recovery depends on the liability terms posted at that location — some limit ABM's responsibility to a specific dollar amount or exclude certain types of damage. If ABM denies your claim, you can file a complaint with your credit card company or pursue a small claims case.

Do I have to tip ABM valet attendants?

Tipping is customary but not required. Most people tip $2 to $5 when dropping off and the same amount when picking up, depending on the service quality and local norms. Some locations have a tip jar or allow you to add a tip to your credit card payment. Ask the attendant or check the receipt to see how tips are handled at that location.

Can I request a specific parking spot or ask ABM not to move my car?

Yes. When you hand over your keys, tell the attendant if your car has mechanical issues, if you do not want it moved, or if you have other special requests. The attendant will note this on your ticket. However, if the location is very busy or has limited space, the attendant may not be able to honor all requests. Ask before you park if your request can be accommodated.

How long does it usually take to get my car back from ABM valet?

Retrieval time depends on how busy the lot is and how far away your car is parked. At a slow time, you may have your car in 5 to 10 minutes. During peak hours — such as rush hour at an airport or during a hotel event — it can take 15 to 30 minutes or longer. Ask the attendant for an estimate when you drop off your car, and plan accordingly if you are in a hurry.